Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning that the author gets a commission if you decide to make a purchase through the provided links. There is no cost to you for using these links.

Exfoliating your face is important! It's just as important as cleansing and moisturizing.

But with all of the different options on the market, it can be tough to figure out which one is right for you. That's why I've put together this list of the 8 best face exfoliators on the market in 2022. I'll help you pick the ideal product for your needs, and give you a review of each one!

Not only will your skin feel smoother and softer after using an exfoliator, but it will also look brighter and younger.

Click on one of the links below to learn more about my recommended exfoliators and purchase yours today!

Happy shopping :)

How I Pick The Right Face Exfoliator

We all know that exfoliating is important, but it's also a pain to have to go through all the different options and figure out which one is best for us.

It seems like every other day a new exfoliator hits the shelves. With so many options, how do you know which one is right for you?

I've done the hard work for you and hunted down the best face exfoliators based on the most common concerns. Whether you're looking for an exfoliator that targets dry skin or oily skin or you're looking for a peel or a scrub, I've got you covered.

Best Overall

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

Check Price On Amazon

Why You Should Try It

If you're anything like me, you're always on the lookout for that one magic product that will take your skin from dull and dry to radiant and glowing. And let me tell you, my friend, I have found it. Dermalogica's Daily Microfoliant is my new favorite way to achieve smooth, bright skin.

This rice-based powder exfoliates dead skin cells and impurities, revealing the healthy, youthful skin underneath. It's formulated with papain, salicylic acid, and rice enzymes to give you a gentle yet effective polish. Plus, the Skin Brightening Complex of phytic acid from rice bran, white tea, and licorice helps even out your skin tone. And if that wasn't enough, the Colloidal Oatmeal and Allantoin help to soothe and calm your skin.

It's gentle enough to use every day, so you can kick dull skin in the face and achieve that glowing skin you always wanted.

Trust me, this stuff is pretty magical.

What You Should Know

Unlike other exfoliating products that can be harsh on the skin, Dermologica's unique powder formula is designed to be gentle enough for daily use. Simply dispense into very wet hands and rub together to create a creamy paste, then massage over your face in circular motions. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.

Best Peel

Saturday Skin Rub-A-Dub Refining Peel

Check Price On Amazon

Why You Should Try It

If you're looking for a product to help you achieve the perfect Saturday skin, look no further than Saturday Skin's Rub-A-Dub Refining Peel. This exfoliator is formulated with natural ingredients such as papain and bromelian, which are known for their ability to promote smoother, brighter skin. Additionally, the Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Polysccharides in the formula help to calm and nurture your skin's appearance. The best part? This exfoliator is suitable for all skin types and targets large pores, dullness, uneven skin texture, and blemishes. So go ahead and give your skin the TLC it deserves with Saturday Skin's Rub-A-Dub Refining Peel.

What You Should Know

Powered by Saturday Skin's very own proprietary 7 peptide mix, this clean, no-fuss product is perfect for those who want to get the most out of their skincare regimen. From brightening and evening out skin tone to reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, this Refining Peel does it all. And what’s more, it’s gentle enough to use on even the most sensitive skin types.

Best for Sensitive Skin

La Roche-Posay Utra-Fine Scrub

Check Price On Amazon

Why You Should Try It

La Roche-Posay's Ultra-Fine Scrub is formulated with ultra-fine pumice particles to help remove excess dead cells, leaving you with softer, smoother skin. This unique scrub also contains antioxidant Thermal Spring Water to soothe and protect your skin. Use it once or twice a week to help maintain a healthy complexion.

Give your skin the refreshing boost it needs with La Roche-Posay Ultra-Fine Scrub.

What You Should Know

La Roche-Posay  products are recommended by over 90,000 dermatologists worldwide and is developed in partnership with dermatologists to complement and enhance their patients’ treatments and to promote good skincare practices at home every day.

Best Scrub

Tula So Polished Exfoliating Sugar Scrub

Check Price On Amazon

Why You Should Try It

If your face is feeling anything less than fabulous, it's time to give it a good ol' scrub. Tula's So Polished Exfoliating Sugar Scrub will melt away all the gunk that's been clogging up your pores and leaving your skin feeling dull. It's packed with probiotic extracts and superfoods like sugar, pineapple, and papaya, so you know it's gentle but effective.  Plus, it smells like a tropical paradise, so you can close your eyes and pretend you're on a sandy beach instead of just standing in your bathroom :)

What You Should Know

Tula So Polished Exfoliating Sugar Scrub is vegan and cruelty-free, so you can feel good about using it knowing that no animals were harmed in its making.

Best on a Budget

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser

Check Price On Amazon

Why You Should Try It

This salicylic acid cleanser is enhanced with barrier-restoring ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, which work together to exfoliate the skin while keeping it hydrated and soft. No more rough, scratchy microbeads that can irritate your skin--CeraVe's salicylic acid cleanser provides gentle, non-irritating exfoliation that will leave you with glowing skin that feels smooth and refreshed. Plus, it's an economical way to keep your skin looking its best.

What You Should Know

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser is a gentle, non-comedogenic formula is enriched with antioxidant vitamin D to help restore your skin's natural barrier. Suitable for use on your face and body, this cleanser is ideal for acne-prone skin. Plus, it's fragrance-free, so you can feel good about using it without worrying about any unwanted scent

Best Livin-La-Vida-Luxury

Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser

Check Price On Amazon

Why You Should Try It

Tata Harper's Regenerating Cleanser is an award-winning formula is made with 16 high-performance botanical ingredients, and is designed to buff and polish your skin for a renewed, radiant complexion. Plus, it comes with 4 sources to dissolve buildup, 4 sources to refine pores, and 8 sources of plumping hydration – so you can rest assured your skin will be left feeling refreshed, hydrated and looking its best. 100% natural, nontoxic and free from all fillers, synthetics, artificial colors and fragrances, Tata Harper is an expensive but luxurious skin-care line that is loved by its many loyal customers – making it totally worth the splurge. So go ahead and treat yourself (and your skin) to this phenomenal product – you won't regret it!

What You Should Know

Tata Harper is a small business that does it all ourselves from start to finish, so you can trust in their quality. Their regenerating cleanser has a delicious apricot smell that will wake you up and make you feel refreshed. It's perfect for those mornings when you need an extra boost.

Best for Oily Skin

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Check Price on Amazon

Why You Should Try It

The only thing better than perfect skin is Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. This unique leave-on formula is gentle enough for daily use, making it a must-have for anyone looking to achieve radiant, youthful-looking skin. Powered by beta hydroxy acid (BHA), this exfoliator mimics the natural exfoliation process of younger skin, helping it to shed dead skin resurface skin and unclog pores. The result is a more even complexion with reduced fine lines and wrinkles.

What You Should Know

The Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is a lightweight liquid that quickly absorbs into your skin. It’s fragrance-free and paraben-free, making it delicate enough for sensitive skin types. Plus, it’s great for all skin types, including combination and oily skin. So whether you’re looking to eliminate dry patches, reduce the appearance of pores, or just give your skin a overall brighter appearance, this exfoliant is an ideal choice for you.

Best for Dry Skin

Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

Check Price On Amazon

Why You Should Try It

We all know the feeling of waking up in the morning, looking in the mirror, and seeing dull, dry skin staring back at us. Ugh. It’s the worst. But I got you! Murad’s AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser is a 2-in-1 product that will help you achieve clean, fresh skin in no time!

This dynamic cleanser polishes away dull, dry skin from the surface, revealing softer, smoother skin underneath. Plus, it uses both chemical and physical exfoliants to give you the best results possible. And the best part? You only need to use it 2-3 times a week!

What You Should Know

Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser contains a blend of glycolic and lactic acids that work together to slough away dead skin, unclog pores, and brighten the complexion. Plus, it's formulated with hydrating ingredients like jojoba oil and aloe vera to leave your skin feeling soft, smooth, and balanced.

Face Exfoliators FAQs

Exfoliating your face is a crucial part of any skincare routine, but it can be hard to find the right exfoliator for your skin type. With all of the different types of exfoliators on the market, it can be tough to figure out which one is best for your skin type. Do you need a physical exfoliator or a chemical exfoliator? Should you use a scrub or a peel?

I'm here to help! In this article, we'll answer all of the most frequently asked questions about face exfoliators. By the end of this article, you'll know exactly which type of exfoliator is right for you.

Should you exfoliate your face?

Yes, you should exfoliate your face. Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells that can accumulate on the surface of your skin and make it look dull. It also helps unclog pores and improve circulation, which can help reduce the appearance of blemishes.

There are a number of different ways to exfoliate your face, including using a face scrub, a facial brush, or a chemical peel. However, it's important to be gentle when exfoliating fragile facial skin. Too much pressure or vigorous scrubbing can cause irritation and damage the skin. Start slowly and use moderate pressure until you get used to the sensation of exfoliation.

What not to do after exfoliating?

First, avoid applying any type of skincare product that contains alcohol. Alcohol can dry out your skin and make it more susceptible to sun damage. Second, avoid using hot water when you wash your face. Hot water can strip away the natural oils from your skin, which will leave it feeling dry and irritated.

Finally, avoid wearing heavy makeup or sunscreen immediately after exfoliating. The ingredients in these products can further irritate your skin. Instead, wait 30 minutes or so before applying any skincare products. This will give your skin enough time to soak up the benefits of exfoliation and recover from any irritation.

And, of course, always follow up with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays.

When should I exfoliate my face?

The best time to exfoliate your face is when your skin is dry. In the morning is a good time, because it will help you wake up your skin and remove dead skin and dirt that might be clogging your pores.

Another good time to exfoliate is before you go to bed, because it will help remove any impurities that might have built up during the day. Just make sure not to use a harsh exfoliant right before bed, because it might irritate your skin and make it difficult to fall asleep.

How can I exfoliate my face naturally?

One way to exfoliate your face naturally is to use a gentle enzymatic exfoliant like papaya or pumpkin. These natural fruits contain an enzyme called papain or papaya extract, which helps to break down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This allows the to be easily scrubbed away, revealing the new, fresh skin cells underneath.

Another way to exfoliate your face naturally is to use a gentle scrub made from natural ingredients like sugar or salt. These ingredients are effective at sloughing away the crud without being too abrasive. Plus, they smell good and leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.

Finally, you can also exfoliate your face naturally by using a face mask made from natural ingredients like honey or avocado. These face masks help to exfoliate your skin while also providing it with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and hydrated.

How do I know if I need to exfoliate?

It's not always easy to tell whether you need to exfoliate, as the signs can be subtle. Generally speaking, though, if your skin feels dry, rough, or scaly, then it could probably use a good exfoliation.

Another indicator is if you have blackheads or whiteheads. Exfoliation can help get rid of these blemishes by removing the built-up dead skin and oil that accumulate on the surface of the skin and clog pores.

If you're not sure whether you need to exfoliate, it's always best to err on the side of caution and give it a try. Just make sure to use a gentle exfoliator that won't damage your skin.

Should you exfoliate in the morning or night?

There is no right or wrong answer to this question - it depends on what works best for you. Some people find that they have more energy in the morning and prefer to do their exfoliation then. Others find that they have more time at night and prefer to do it then.

Ultimately, it's up to you.

Do you exfoliate first or cleanser?

You should cleanse your face before exfoliating.

Cleansing your face before exfoliating is important because it removes any dirt or oils that may be on your skin. Exfoliating with a dirty or oily face can cause irritation and may not be effective in removing all of the dead skin.

Should you moisturize after exfoliating?

It depends on the exfoliant you are using.

If you are using an exfoliant that is harsh, such as a scrub with large particles, then it's best to wait until the skin has calmed down and healed before moisturizing. If you are using a gentle enzyme or acid exfoliant, then it's safe to moisturize right away.

In either case, it's important to use a moisturizer that is tailored to your skin type and that will help keep your skin hydrated. oily skin types may need a light weight oil free moisturizer, while dry skin types may need something richer with more oils.

Is a scrub and exfoliator the same thing?

Not exactly. A scrub is a type of exfoliator that uses physical, rather than chemical, means to slough off the skin's surface cells. Scrubs usually contain exfoliating particles like sugar, salt, or coffee grounds which help remove the built-up dead skin cells on the surface of the face.

Exfoliators can also be chemical in nature and use ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) or beta hydroxy acids (BHA) to loosen the glue that holds dead skin cells together. When these acids are combined with mechanical means (like a scrub), they work even better at removing layers of dead skin from the face.

Can I use serum after exfoliating?

Serum is a great post-exfoliation treatment because it helps to restore the skin's pH balance, lock in hydration, and protect against environmental aggressors. Serum is a type of skincare product that is designed to be applied to the skin after cleansing and before moisturizing. It is a lightweight formula that is packed with nutrients and antioxidants, which makes it perfect for revitalizing tired and aging skin.

Serum can be used on all skin types, but it is particularly beneficial for those who have dry or mature skin. It helps to improve elasticity, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, and restore a youthful glow. Plus, its antioxidant properties help to protect the skin from sun damage and other environmental stressors.

Should you exfoliate older skin?

Yes, older skin should be exfoliated. As we age, our skin cells turnover at a slower rate, which can lead to a build-up of dead skin on the surface of the skin. Exfoliation is one way to remove these dead cells and reveal the younger, healthier-looking skin underneath.

There are a number of different ways to exfoliate your skin - you can use a physical exfoliant like a scrub or brush, or you can use an enzymatic exfoliant like papaya extract. Whichever method you choose, make sure to avoid over-exfoliating, as this can cause irritation and damage to the skin. Start with once or twice a week and adjust as needed.

Which exfoliator is best for mature skin?

Mature skin has different needs than younger skin, so it's important to use an exfoliator that is specifically designed for those with mature skin. One of the best exfoliators for mature skin is one that contains glycolic acid.

Glycolic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that gently exfoliates the surface of the skin, removing the dead cells that can make your complexion look dull. It also helps to stimulate collagen production, which can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging.

What happens if you don’t exfoliate?

Not exfoliating can lead to a buildup of dead skin , which can make your skin look dull, dry, and flaky. It can also lead to clogged pores and blackheads.

Exfoliation is the process of removing the dead skin that accumulate on the surface of your skin. By regularly exfoliating, you'll remove the build-up of dead skin cells, which will make your skin look brighter, smoother, and more youthful. Exfoliation can also help to unclog pores and get rid of blackheads.

How effective are facial scrubs?

Facial scrubs are effective at removing the dead skin that accumulate on the surface of the skin. This can improve the appearance of the skin and make it look brighter and smoother.

However, it's important to use a facial scrub sparingly, as over-scrubbing can damage the delicate skin on your face. It's also important to choose a facial scrub that is suited to your skin type, as using a scrub that is too harsh for your skin can cause redness and irritation.

What is the disadvantage of face scrubs?

The main disadvantage of face scrubs is that they can be too harsh and cause skin irritation. Another potential downside is that over-scrubbing can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, redness, and even breakouts. It's important to use a gentle scrubbing motion and to avoid scrubbing too hard or for too long.

Does exfoliation make you look younger?

Yes! Exfoliation is one of the best ways to make your skin look younger. By removing the dead skin cells that accumulate on the surface of your skin, you reveal newer, fresher skin that looks smoother and brighter.

Exfoliation can be done with a number of different products, such as scrubs, masks, or chemical peels. If you're not sure which product is right for you, consult a skincare specialist to help you find the best solution for your needs.

Does washing your face exfoliate it?

It depends on what you mean by "exfoliate." If you're referring to removing the top layer of dead skin, then the answer is yes. Washing your face with a gentle cleanser will remove dead skin cells. However, if you're looking for a more thorough exfoliation, you'll need to use a product that contains an exfoliating agent such as glycolic acid or Salicylic acid.

Is a chemical peel better than exfoliating?

There is no straightforward answer to this question as it depends on the individual's skin type and desired outcome. A chemical peel uses acids to exfoliate the skin, while exfoliating can be achieved through a variety of methods such as using a scrub, brush, or cloth, or even just by washing your face regularly.

Generally speaking, chemical peels are more effective at exfoliating the skin than manual exfoliation methods. However, it is important to consult with a dermatologist before undergoing a chemical peel in order to determine whether it is the right treatment for you and to learn about the risks and potential side effects.

Best Face Exfoliator -The Right One For You!

I hope this list of the best facial exfoliators has been helpful! If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all of the choices out there, remember that it doesn’t have to be complicated. Just find one that fits your specific needs and go from there. And don’t forget to click the link below each product to check the price on Amazon—you may just find your new favorite face scrub!

Remember to treat yourself...you deserve it!

Love your mom-friend,

Gabriella